Dr. Denny Kalyalya, Governor of the Bank of Zambia, expressed deep sadness during the funeral service of his late wife, Ada Mwale Kalyalya, at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. In his emotional tribute, Dr. Kalyalya recalled his wife’s courageous battle with cancer, highlighting her strength and resilience. Despite the personal loss, he shared a sense of pride in how she fought the illness.
In his remarks, Dr. Kalyalya also took the opportunity to address the current state of Zambia’s health system, emphasizing the dire need for reform. He lamented the breakdown of the country’s healthcare infrastructure, which he attributed to public officials misappropriating funds intended for health services. As a result, he stated that many Zambians were forced to seek medical treatment abroad, often too late, due to a lack of necessary diagnostic tools and early detection equipment.
The Governor’s comments on the country’s failing healthcare system resonated deeply, particularly as he highlighted the premature deaths of many individuals, which he attributed to preventable diseases that could have been diagnosed and treated with proper medical resources. He pointed out that this dire situation could be remedied with better investment in healthcare and a more accountable management of resources.
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, who also spoke at the funeral, agreed with Dr. Kalyalya’s concerns, suggesting that the country had the potential to improve its diagnostic capabilities. He stressed the importance of early detection in saving lives, particularly in the case of diseases like cancer, which often go unnoticed until it is too late. President Hichilema called for a greater commitment to improving medical infrastructure to ensure that citizens no longer had to leave the country for essential health services.
The funeral service for Ada Mwale Kalyalya thus became a moment not only to mourn her passing but also to reflect on the urgent need for changes in Zambia’s healthcare system. Both Dr. Kalyalya and President Hichilema’s remarks underscored the critical need for investment in diagnostics and the fight against corruption to ensure that health resources are directed to where they are most needed.
As Zambia continues to grapple with these challenges, it is clear that both public officials and citizens must come together to demand a healthcare system that serves all, ensuring that no more lives are lost due to preventable causes. The late Ada Kalyalya’s legacy, through the eyes of her husband, will undoubtedly serve as a powerful reminder of the need for change.